RCT Medical hypotheses 2020

Can hyperbaric oxygen safely serve as an anti-inflammatory treatment for COVID-19?

Kjellberg A, De Maio A, Lindholm P — Medical hypotheses, 2020

View Original on PubMed PMID 33254531

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers are conducting a randomised clinical trial to investigate whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy can safely act as an anti-inflammatory treatment for COVID-19.

What They Found

This paper presents a hypothesis, noting that anecdotal evidence and two published case reports suggest promising results for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in COVID-19. The authors indicate that small prospective clinical trials are underway, including their own randomised clinical trial, which has not yet reported findings.

Canadian Relevance

This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.

Study Limitations

A key limitation is that this paper presents a hypothesis and preliminary observations, with the main randomised clinical trial still underway and no definitive results reported.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type	RCT
Category	COVID-19 / Long COVID
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	33254531
Year Published	2020
Journal	Medical hypotheses
MeSH Terms	Animals; COVID-19; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Hypoxia; Inflammation; Lung; Models, Theoretical; Oxygen; Research Design; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

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This study relates to Long COVID. Read the full clinical overview, the evidence base, and Canadian treatment access for this condition.

See all COVID-19 / Long COVID research

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 2, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology